Wednesday 24 February 2021

Archewell & World Central Kitchen's Dominica Relief Center Completed

The first of four community relief centres developed in partnership between Archewell Foundation and World Central Kitchen has completed construction in Domnica. WCK shared the good news today with several photos from the project. "Announced late last year, the intent of these centers is to provide both relief and resilience – as well as healing and strength – for the communities in which they're based. In times of crisis, they can be quickly activated as emergency response kitchens, and through calmer times they can serve as food distribution hubs, schools, clinics, or community gathering spaces for families."

The Caribbean island nation of Dominica was severely hit by hurricanes Irman and Maria in recent years which destroyed 90% of the island's infrastructure and brought 160mph winds. Following on from the disaster, the process of rebuilding and planning for the future has led Dominica to taking steps to becoming the world's first climate resilient nation.

WCK and Archewell worked closely with non-profit RezDM - the Resilient Dominica Project and the Ministry of Education.

The centre is located at the new Soufriere Primary School site; it was constructed as part of the resilience plan to provide shelter against future natural disasters.

Equipment in the kitchen, including refrigerators and freezers, use solar power and plans are underway to train chefs to prepare meals for large groups in the event of an emergency.

A brief report from WCK's Felix, who has been on the ground for the build, revealed the kitchen will feed the 67 pupils at Soufriere Primary School and is ready to be activated as a service kitchen. He thanked "Meghan and Harry's Archewell foundation whose support has helped the project become possible".

Harry and Meghan are said to be looking forward to visiting the center in Dominica and others when it's safe to do so and pandemic restrictions permit. Though the Duke and Duchess no longer have formal roles, the fact Dominica is also part of the Commonwealth would have likely factored into the decision. The center is going to have an ongoing impact in the community and assist in Dominica's readiness for dealing with future emergencies.

With Dominica ready to go, preparations are already underway for the second center in Puerto Rico. WCK has established links on the island stemming from their response to Hurricane Maria and their Chefs for Puerto Rico initiative. In December, the Duke and Duchess said, "When we think about Chef Andrés and his incredible team at World Central Kitchen, we're reminded that even during a year of unimaginable hardship, there are so many amazing people willing – and working tirelessly – to support each other. World Central Kitchen inspires us through compassion in action." It's very exciting to see Archewell come to fruition.

24 comments:

  1. This is such a wonderful project! I love that they have found a way to finance good works.

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  2. "Service is Universal "
    Congratulations Harry & Meghan for you support. Dominique is an Commonwealth country.

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  3. What a beautiful kitchen!! I love their plan to train local chefs to enable them to cook for large groups and by installing solar panels that will make it more climate resilient, it appears that WCK really did think of everything!!

    It's wonderful to see that Meghan and Harry are perfectly able to step away from the royal family and still "continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service". I think that this is a great first step for their new foundation and I'm so excited to see what they can accomplish in the future.

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  4. They are on their way – the more service in action, the better 02/19/21 response and the anticipated interview news may gradually be diffused. Some who like them like I do, may want to have short memories after being puzzled for almost a week. I admit having gone up and down in the liking percentage since their pre-wedding days. Somehow there is a pattern of good, and then a pattern of some shadow of the unpredictable controversy. I wish them a constant good and excelling with their life, family relations, and their foundation once they are all settled with everything.

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  5. Don't know if any of you have seen this great article by Peter Hunt but is nice to see a british journalist standing up for Harry and Meghan and acknowledging that the royal family and the Queen mishandled their final exit. I know Charlotte talked about an analysis Peter Hunt made on the day of the announcement but haven't seen this posted in full yet on the blog.

    https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-monarchy-failed-meghan-and-harry

    Thanks Charlotte for another good post glad to hear the world central kitchen in Dominica was completed!

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    1. Jessica in Los Angeles25 February 2021 at 16:36

      Thanks for sharing! Off to read it now.

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    2. Thank you for sharing Melissa, however I don't share your support of this article. While there were missteps in how this was handled from both sides, and there are arguments to be made on both sides, but Peter Hunt's accounts are somewhat 'mean spirited', to coin his phrase. His last statement that "They have reverted to being white, predominately male (only three out of the first ten in the line of succession are female) and, as things stand, a tad stale.", seriously, now the royals are are guilty of not producing female heirs? He was making his point and opinion known up to this last preposterous statement.

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    3. I liked the article. Hunt make great points about when/where the BRF is willing to be flexible and when it isn't. The whiteness/maleness didn't seem too much of a reach.

      Great to see this project finished! Go H&M! -op

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  6. Little by little the bird is making its nest ...
    I can only wish Sussex courage and success.

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  7. what I like most about the Sussex is that,their problem solving skill is specific. which brings about immediate impact. as God liveth may they continue to rule and reign

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  8. Wonderful project! Two of the things I like are that H&M want to help fund multipurpose,sustainable projects, and that they find experts in the field who will know what's needed. They have their ideas, but don't claim to be experts in all areas.

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  9. Jessica in Los Angeles25 February 2021 at 16:35

    “Service is universal.” Boom, mic drop.

    I logged into your site this morning, not really expecting anything new, and I was so thrilled to see this. They have the influence to make things happen! And they do. I love this. They want to change the world, and I believe they can really make a difference. Good for them!!!

    Thank you for sharing this with us!

    Question: Archewell is named after Archie, but what about the second baby? I hope that name gets incorporated somehow. Any thoughts?

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  10. Meghan and Harrt have a talent for finding grassroots projects their fledgling Foundation can afford which will make a real impact for people in need. I think they have great vision. I wish these good efforts were covered in the media as much as all the negative opinion. Thank you for publishing their good works, Charlotte.

    R

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  11. God continue to bless them, only the good that they will prevail

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  12. Harry and Meghan can finally be free to help educate people by bringing problems to lite, advocate and find solutions that will continue overtime. This project will be there many years from now to help people. Look what their help can do.
    Change that helps others will alwàys be good. Much thanks to Archewll.

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  13. They are wonderful!! All they want is for God to use them!! They are gift from God

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  14. Prince Harry was on James Corden tonight!

    https://youtu.be/7oxlCKMlpZw

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    1. I missed it but am watching the video. Wonderful to see H&M just as fun people!

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    2. Loved the Corden/Harry combo! So much fun! -op

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  15. They are doing an amazing job.

    Has anyone seen this video from James Cordon?? It may be old but popped up in my news feed. Thought it was interesting and entertaining!

    https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=951390072278016

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  16. The Corden interview is wonderful! Harry said the Queen asked what Archie wanted for Christmas and Meghan said a waffle maker, so she sent one and they make waffles. He also talked about zooms with his grandparents. Again, making mincemeat out of the horrible UK media reports.

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  17. Well the Duke and duchess are making doing great

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